Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2017 has been passed by the Legislative Assembly without any amendments (Source: Shutterstock)

The historic bill is the result of more than two years of consultation and engagement with Members of Parliament, the community, health, palliative care and legal sectors, and if passed by Parliament, Victoria will be the first state in Australia to offer assisted dying.

While this morning’s vote is a win for those lobbying the bill, like Victorian Minister for Health Jill Hennessy, there is still a long way to go until it becomes a reality in the state.

“This is a historic day for our state,” she says.

“We are one step closer to getting this done – but there is more work to do.

“This week we have seen incredibly powerful contributions from all sides of the debate as Members of Parliament have shared their personal experiences and given this issue the consideration it deserves.

“This vote brings us closer to giving Victorians with terminal illness the choice they deserve at the end of their lives.”

The legislation passes by the Legislative Assembly delivers on the safe and compassionate framework designed by the Ministerial Advisory Panel, chaired by former Australian Medical association (AMA) President and neurosurgeon Brian Owler.

With 68 safeguards included, Victoria’s assisted dying bill has the safest and most conservative framework in the world.

The Bill is expected to be debated in the Council in the sitting week starting Tuesday 31 October.